1943 Opel "Blitz" | The National Military History Center | RM Sotheby's

Lot 118

The National Military History Center

1943 Opel "Blitz"

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$17,500 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Identification No.
44BR5712
Addendum: All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.

Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.

ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.

Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.

Manufacturer: Opel Division of General Motors, Germany

Production Year: 1943

Engine: Opel, 3.6-liter, 68-hp, six-cylinder, liquid-cooled, gasoline

Transmission: 5F1R

Brakes: Hydraulic

Length: 20-feet, 4-1/2-inches

Width: 7-feet, 5-1/2-inches

Height: 9-feet, 6-inches (to top of cargo area bonnet)

Weight: Approximately 3.4-tons

Armor: None

Armament: NONE on this example - Could be fitted with a 7.92-mm MG34 or MG42 machine gun

Maximum speed: Approximately 50-mph

Maximum Payload: 3-tons

Markings: German 12th Infantry Division, Bakery Company

Production of the Opel Blitz (Lightning) 3,6-36S began in 1938 at the Opel Brandenburg / Havel plant under the direction of Heinz Nordhoff whom, after WW II, became head of Volkswagen. The 4x2 Opel Blitz 3-ton is one of the first standardized military truck models that was developed from guidelines established by the Schell-Program. In 1938, General Schell, Director of Motorization for the Wehrmacht (German military), proposed to cut back procurement of vehicles of all types to just a few standard chassis which, in turn, were suitable for both military and commercial service. He reduced the number of truck models from 113 to 30. The Schell-Program introduced universal weight capacity classes of 1,1-1/2, 3, 4-1/2 and 6-1/2-tons, most with a basic 4x2 (S-Type) and a 4x4 (A-Type) version. The Opel Blitz 3-ton 4x2 (S-Type) was the Wehrmacht’s most popular, and successful 4x2 truck design. Field reports from front-line troops in North Africa and Russia using the Opel 3-ton 4x2 were very positive. Early models featured civilian-type cabs; late models had simplified ersatz cabs constructed of timber frames and pressed cardboard. About 70,000 Opel 3-ton 4x2s, in several versions, were built.

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